William l



lhvrrn dramas arnn'r @einen YILLAM, L. FINLEY AND HORACE B. KIRKVOOD, OF XVASHIXGTON, D. C.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No, 356,870, dated February 1, 188?.

Application filed November 17, 1885. Serial No. 1S3,l27. (Xo model.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern.-

Be it known that we, WILLIM L. FnvLEY and Henson B. Krnnwoon, citizens of the United States, residing at ivashington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Game-Boards in Imitation of the Game of Base-Ball; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to an improved gameboard for parlor or indoor amusement by which two or more players may be amused in imitating the familiar gaine called baseball, and it consists, substantially, in the features hereinafter named, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying sheet oi' drawings, in which Figure l represents a plan view of a game-board embodying our invention, and Fig. 2 represents a similar view of a modiiication thereof.

In the practice of our invention we provide an ordinary board of convenient dimensions and imprint or otherwise design thereon the diagram oi' a base-ball field. The position of each player is indicated by a square, circle, or other preferred distinguishing character, having the name of the position marked therein, and said positions are connected by double or parallel lines, which are di vided into a suitable number of squares, hcxagons, or circles having numerals therein, the numbering of such spaces beginning with the homejbase to one side and ending therewith at the other side in consecutive order. Between the parallel lines completing the circuit of the bases there are preferably sixty-four spaces provided, and extending at right angles from each side oi the pitcher s position are si x similar spaces. From the rear of home base to the catchers position there are four spaces provided. From Hshort stop to left held, and from a position corresponding with short stop to that of right field there are four spaces each, and between the second base l and center field there are tive spaces. Itis evident, however, that the number of spaces included between any two positions may be changed to suit the conveni ence of the players.

In the modification, Fig. 2, we have shown two sets of numerals arranged in reverse position to each other, thus enabling the number of any particular space to be read from either direction to facilitate rapidity of counting in the practice of the game.

Referring to the drawings by the let-ters marked thereon, A, as a whole, represents a game-board embodying the principles of our invention. a indicates the catchers position, b, the home base; c, d, and e, the first, second, and third bases, respectively; f, the short stop; g, the pitcher; 7L, the center field, andi and j the right and left field positions.

Beginning at the right of home base and eX- tending around. through a circuit taking in the several bases, there are sixty-four spaces, as indicated by the numerals. The number of spaces between any other two positions is also indicated by the numerals.

Following is a description of the manner in which the game is to be played: The gaine is played by two (or more) persons, each represent-ing a nine or base-ball club, and is begun by each of the players throwing dice once to determine which nine is to take the bat or inside77 first, the club or nine throwing the highest having the choice of such posit-ions. Then this has been decided, the clubs take their respective positions on the board in the same order as is done when beginning the regular game of base-ball. rlhe player representing the inside nine throws the dice first and then places the striker on the numbered spacek of the board corresponding with the number thrown, it being the object of the ins to take their man from point to point until he makes the circuit of the bases without being caught by any man ofthe opposite or outside nine, thus counting one score. The dice are thrown alternmtelyT by the persons representing each side, it being the object of the outside nine to bring one of their men on a space occupied by the runner, thereby putting him out, the outer nine moving any man that will be most to their advantage.

Two dice onlyare employed, and if a double three is thrown it indicates a foul ball and out. If three, five, or seven are thrown, it indicates a dy ball and out. Nine, ten, and eleven are strikes, and if either such are ICC thrown three times in succession it indicates three strikes7 and out. The player is conipelled to move one man according to the nurnber thrown, (buttons or other articles representing the nien.) Any man can be replaced to his position after the runner has passed his post, or, for instance, if the runner has passed first base and the iirst bascman is between first base and home, the rst baseman can be replaced on his post, if he so desires it. rj he outside have the privilege of moving their men over the spaces in any desired direction. Y As the strikers are put out or make a score, the men retake their positions and proceed with the game until three men are put out, whereupon the nines change places, the same as in a regular game of base-ball.

Any number of innings may be played, and should a tie score be had at the end an additional inning may be played to determine the victor.

Vie are aware that game-boards have been heretofore invented for a'purpose analogous to ours, and that it is not new, broadly, to design upon the board the diagram of a baseball field in which the bases and positions of the players corresponding thereto are connected by spaces formed between double parallel lines, as well, also,to provide similar spaces in the area within the base-circuit, such former inventions comprising, in addition to the features named, a dial and indica-tor by which to note the different moves or points in the play; but in ourinvention we resort to a diagram of a baseball eld having the bases connected by consecutively-nuinbered spaces and similar spaces extending tothe positions of the 1. A game for indoor amusement, consisting of a card or board having formed oriniprinted thereon the diagram of a base-ball field, the circuit of the bases whereof is comprised by parallel lines divided into consecutively-numbered spaces, and similar spaces extending between the remaining or iield positions and those of the bases adjacent or corresponding thereto, substantially as shown and described.

2. Againe for indoor amusement, consisting of a board having arranged or formed thereon the diagram of a baseball held, the circuit of the bases being comprised by consecutively numbered spaces, and similar spaces extending from each side of the pitchers post and intersecting with the main spaces between home base and catcher, second base and cen ter field, and from short 4stop to left field, and a position corresponding to short stop and right ield, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof we afix our signatures in presence ot two witnesses.

WILLIAM L. FINLEY. HORACE B. KIRKWOOD. 'Witnesses E. EvnRnrr ELLIS, FRANK WHITE. 

